GARDENDALE, Alabama - Gardendale's Miracle League players are
getting their own prom for the first time.

"This gives them the opportunity to see their friends and
hang out with each other outside of the baseball fields," said Jeff Dennis.

There are about 75 special needs players who participate in
the Gardendale Miracle League each season, and Jeff Dennis, who announces the
baseball games, said the prom will give them another safe activity.

Dennis said the plans for the prom took off after a joke
during one of the games last season. "One of our players has a buddy and every
week he walks her to the plate and as soon as he hits the ball he takes her
hand," he said. "I just made the statement one night on the microphone that he looks like he's
going to the prom. He had his arm around her and it looked like he was
escorting her. One of the other players heard me say prom and went
home and told his mom we were having a prom. So, we planned a prom."

The event will be held Sunday, April 13 from 3 until 5 p.m.
at the Gardendale Civic Center.

The new season of the Miracle
League begins tonight at Luman Harris Park at 5:45 p.m., with games at 6 p.m.
and 7 p.m. Dennis said players can join the league any night. Anyone wishing to
play Friday who is not already registered should show up around 5:30 p.m. to
register.